Hospice care is provided in the place that can provide the most comfort and support to you as a patient.

This may be your own home, a nursing facility, an assisted living center, or any other long-term care facility. Hospice care provides patients with pain management and symptom control so they can live their remaining days with dignity and comfort. If you are a candidate for hospice care , the following information will help you understand what type of options are available to you.

Hospice Care – In The Home

If your condition permits it, hospice at home offers many advantages over being admitted into a medical institution for end-of-life care. Many people prefer not to be admitted into a hospital or long-term care facility for a variety of reasons, including privacy and personal preferences.

You have the freedom to be as active or relaxed as you want – within reason. You can also enjoy your favorite foods, music, and activities. Being at home is especially comforting if it’s been your lifelong residence or you’ve spent many happy years there with cherished memories. Either way, being at home gives you more control over how you spend the final days of life than being in an unfamiliar hospital room or nursing facility.

In-Home Services from Fairmont Hospice Can Include:

One-on-one visits by a hospice team member who will develop a plan to meet your needs. The focus is on enhancing comfort, managing pain, relieving symptoms, and improving your quality of life.
A team of specially trained professionals dedicated to ensuring that you receive the highest level of care. This includes registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, hospice aides, social workers, chaplains and volunteer companions. In addition, specialized hospices services may be available for patients with particular conditions or needs, such as Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease. You will also have access to professional home health aides who can assist your family with personal care and other household tasks so they can welcome a hospice team member during daily visits.
Medications prescribed by a physician to control pain and symptoms. These medications are given at home under a doctor’s supervision. This means medication administration is not limited to the usual doses given in a typical doctor’s office visit.
A specialized team of registered nurses, therapists, social workers and volunteers specially trained to help you achieve an enhanced quality of life. Through their services, you will be able to control symptoms, reduce side effects and improve your overall physical comfort. These therapies may include therapeutic touch, pain management, massage, reflexology, reiki healing (a gentle form of energy therapy), healing music therapy, aromatherapy and advice about complementary medicine .
Emotional support for you and your family members so they can better cope with the stress associated with having someone close die. This may involve-on-one visits or special family seminars.
A plan for your final arrangements that will include help with funeral or memorial service arrangements, cremation costs, burial costs and obituary information.

Home Health Care – In-Patient & Outpatient Services from Fairmont Hospice Can Include:

Short-term inpatient care for you if your condition suddenly worsens and a doctor determines you need around-the-clock medical attention. This is particularly helpful if the hospice team has been providing care for you at home but it’s no longer safe. You can return home as soon as possible once medical stabilization occurs.
A short period of time spent caring for a terminally ill patient in a hospital or long-term care facility. You will be cared for by a hospice team while receiving medical treatment. It is also an option if you need to transfer from one medical institution to another; your family doesn’t have to worry about hiring additional help during this transition.
Outpatient services that allow you to stay on at home without having to be admitted into a hospital or long-term care facility. These services may include infusion therapy (medication given through the veins), wound care, physical therapy, nutrition counseling, pain management and social work services.
Community health education seminars for patients, their families and caregivers designed to provide information on how people can cope with the challenges living with serious illness or coping with a loved one’s death.
A coordinated plan of care that will meet your physical, psychological and spiritual needs based on a complete assessment. In addition to medical treatment, you may receive therapy services, social work assistance, nutritional counseling, pain management and spiritual support.

Where is hospice care available?

In the comfort of your own home – with all the comforts of home – you can spend your remaining time as you wish. As an option for out-of-home placement, a Fairmont Hospice team member may visit a hospital or long-term care facility to provide care during a short-term stay or transfer from one medical institution to another.

You have choices – choices about where you want to live and how you want to spend your days. No matter where you receive hospice care, a specially trained team will provide the medical and personal support services you need.

Do I need a referral?

In most cases, no. In-patient hospice care may require a doctor’s order if it is part of a course of treatment prescribed by your physician. The request for service must come from one of the following: hospital, physician, skilled nursing facility or a referral from a community social agency that coordinates health care for people who are homebound . You can also contact us directly. If you have any questions about hospice services – either available through Fairmont Hospice or another hospice provider – please don’t hesitate to call us at 832-774-2000